Ravens Rumors

Minor NFL Transactions: 5/2/24

May 2nd, 2024 at 9:25pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves:

Baltimore Ravens

Deemed international roster exemption: LB David Ojabo

Minnesota Vikings

Invited to rookie minicamp: TE Sammis Reyes

The Ravens carved out an extra roster spot after having been granted an international roster exemption for linebacker David Ojabo. The NFL allows teams to carry an extra international player on their roster as long as the individual “is a person whose citizenship and principal place of residence are outside the United States and Canada” and has “a maximum of two years of United States high school experience.”

Normally, this is reserved for undrafted players, with many of those players entering the league via the NFL International Pathway Program. However, the Ravens got creative with Ojabo, who is a former second-round pick. The linebacker was born in Nigeria and grew up in the United Kingdom, and he only came to the United States when he was 17. The Michigan product’s NFL career has been highlighted by injuries, with Ojabo being limited to only five appearances through two seasons in Baltimore.

The move allows the Ravens to now carry 91 players on their offseason roster.

Ravens Sign First-Round CB Nate Wiggins

May 2nd, 2024 at 5:03pm CST by Adam La Rose

With the draft complete, teams are now able to turn their attention to adding UDFAs and inking their selected prospects to their rookie deals. The Ravens have moved quickly on the latter front.

Baltimore has signed five of nine draft picks from this weekend, per a team announcement. That list includes cornerback Nate Wiggins, who was selected with the No. 30 pick. Wiggins was considered a round one lock, and it came as something of a surprise when he was still on the board at the Ravens’ slot. Based on his draft spot, Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap projects a $12.8MM deal over four years (with the potential of a fifth-year option in 2028)

Two corners – Quinyon Mitchell and Terrion Arnold – were added 22nd and 24th overall, respectively. Both members of that pair were expected to come off the board before all others at the position, although they (like every other player on the defensive side of the ball) had to wait quite some time to be selected. Wiggins, like Mitchell and Arnold, has considerable potential based on his college production.

The Clemson alum totaled three interceptions and 21 pass deflections during his three-year tenure at the school. Wiggins served as a starter over the 2022 and ’23 campaigns, and he was a first-team All-ACC selection this past season. The 6-2, 175-pounder faces questions based on his playing weight at the pro level, but his fluidity and length should allow him to carve out a role early on.

Baltimore has Marlon Humphrey in place as a cornerback starter, and Brandon Stephens had a surprisingly productive campaign opposite him in 2023. The latter is a pending free agent, so Wiggins could take on a first-team role if he were to depart next offseason. Even before that, Wiggins should be able to find playing time on special teams while rotating in the Ravens’ secondary during his rookie campaign.

The team also announced on Thursday that second-round offensive tackle Roger Rosengarten, fourth-round cornerback T.J. Tampa, and their seventh-rounder additions (center Nick Samac and safety Sanoussi Kane) have inked their respective rookie deals. That leaves Adisa Isaac, Devontez Walker, Rasheen Ali and Devin Leary as the prospects yet to put pen to paper.

Ravens Pick Up Odafe Oweh’s Fifth-Year Option

April 30th, 2024 at 11:55am CST by Adam La Rose

The Ravens made a pair of first-round selections in 2021, but the case of wideout Rashod Bateman required the team to work out an extension rather than deciding on his fifth-year option. A move still needed to be made with respect to edge rusher Odafe Oweh, however.

The latter had his option exercised on Tuesday, per a team announcement. Oweh does not have a Pro Bowl on his resume, and he has not met the playtime threshold needed for the next-highest tier regarding option values. As a result, the 25-year-old will be tied to a $13.25MM salary in 2025.

Much like fellow Penn State product (and 2024 draftee) Chop Robinson, Oweh’s college career was marked more by his athletic traits and resultant upside than his production. In the case of both players, though, they heard their names called on Day 1, producing considerable expectations. Oweh totaled seven sacks with the Nittany Lions across three years, including none in 2020.

That led to questions about his ability to transition to the pro game, although a five-sack rookie campaign appeared to ease such concerns. Oweh logged a 65% snap share that season, but his playing time decreased the following year; he posted two fewer sacks and nine fewer QB pressures (16) in response. The Ravens made another notable draft investment along the edge in 2022 (second-rounder David Ojabo), but his injury-induced absence left the team in need of experienced additions.

Baltimore added Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy in 2023, and both veterans enjoyed productive campaigns. Clowney parlayed his success into a two-year Panthers agreement, but Van Noy has re-signed with the Ravens. He, Ojabo and 2024 third-rounder Adisa Isaac will be key members of the team’s edge contingent moving forward.

Oweh will also be a central figure for the unit, though. The 6-5, 257-pounder recorded five sacks last season while playing a career-low 50% of the team’s defensive snaps. Clowney’s departure (along with the fact Tyus Bowser, who missed the entire year, was released) could open up playing time for Oweh in an important fourth campaign. General manager Eric DeCosta has praised his potential against the pass, and his play against the run – 99 stops, 16 tackles for loss in his career – could keep him firmly in the team’s plans for years to come. Still, expectations will continue to be high for Oweh knowing he is in line for a notable raise in 2025.

Ravens Extend WR Rashod Bateman

April 29th, 2024 at 9:32pm CST by Sam Robinson

APRIL 29: Unlike the rest of the 2021 first-round picks who entered this offseason on their rookie contracts, Bateman was ineligible for the fifth-year option due to his stay on the reserve/did not report list last summer, The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec notes. The short stay before reporting to camp last year would have made Bateman a restricted free agent in 2025 and a UFA in ’26, helping shape his recent extension.

Bateman’s through-2026 deal is worth $15.25MM, ESPN.com’s Field Yates tweets. The deal can max out at $16.75MM. Bateman will be 27 when this contract expires, giving the Ravens potential upside in exchange for some security after a bumpy first three seasons.

APRIL 24: Rashod Bateman delivered a healthy season last year, and although the former first-round pick operated as more of an auxiliary target in 2023, the Ravens view him as a key part of their future.

The defending AFC North champions showed this by agreeing to an extension with Bateman on Wednesday. The parties agreed on a deal that runs through 2026. This would effectively be a two-year extension for Bateman, whose rookie contract was set to expire after the 2024 season.

After two injury-plagued seasons and a 16-game 2023 campaign that only produced 367 yards, Bateman was not a reasonable candidate to see his fifth-year option picked up by the May 2 deadline. But the Ravens have reached a compromise with the Minnesota alum. While Bateman has not lived up to his No. 27 overall draft slot, he will gain a bit of security with this deal. Though, the terms will be telling here.

Bateman’s career high in receiving yardage (515) came as a rookie, and the 2021 draftee has only totaled four career receiving touchdowns. The Ravens were counting on the 6-foot-1 receiver in 2022, but a foot injury ended his season after six games. The team brought in more help last year, adding Odell Beckham Jr., Nelson Agholor and Zay Flowers. Beckham, who played ahead of Bateman last year, is out of the picture for 2024. Flowers is in place as the Ravens’ WR centerpiece, with Agholor still on the roster.

The Ravens have been pursuing more help, hosting Michael Gallup and Josh Reynolds (who later joined the Broncos) on free agency visits in March. They ended up signing receiver/return man Deonte Harty earlier this month. With Agholor in a contract year and Beckham having been the team’s second-leading receiver last season, the Ravens looking for more help in the draft would make sense. But this agreement probably buys Bateman more time. He figures to be in Baltimore’s 2025 plans as well.

Mark Andrews remains the Ravens’ aerial centerpiece; he has displayed by far the best rapport with Lamar Jackson. It will be interesting to see how the Ravens use Bateman going forward, after separating with Beckham. The well-traveled standout remains unsigned but is not expected back in Baltimore.

2024 NFL Draft Results: Round By Round

April 27th, 2024 at 10:42pm CST by Sam Robinson

From the No. 1 overall pick to Mr. Irrelevant (No. 257), here are the results from the 2024 NFL Draft:

Round 1

1. Chicago Bears (via Panthers): Caleb Williams (QB, USC)
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels (QB, LSU)
3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye (QB, UNC)
4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Ohio State)
5. Los Angeles Chargers: Joe Alt (T, Notre Dame)
6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers (WR, LSU)
7. Tennessee Titans: JC Latham (T, Alabama)
8. Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix Jr (QB, Washington)
9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze (WR, Washington)
10. Minnesota Vikings (via Jets): J.J. McCarthy (QB, Michigan)
11. New York Jets (via Vikings): Olu Fashanu (T, Penn State)
12. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix (QB, Oregon)
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Brock Bowers (TE, Georgia)
14. New Orleans Saints: Taliese Fuaga (T, Oregon State)
15. Indianapolis Colts: Laiatu Latu (EDGE, UCLA)
16. Seattle Seahawks: Byron Murphy (DT, Texas)
17. Minnesota Vikings (via Jaguars): Dallas Turner (EDGE, Alabama)
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Amarius Mims (T, Georgia)
19. Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse (EDGE, Florida State)
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Troy Fautanu (OL, Washington)
21. Miami Dolphins: Chop Robinson (EDGE, Penn State)
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Quinyon Mitchell (CB, Toledo)
23 Jacksonville Jaguars (from Browns through Texans and Vikings): Brian Thomas Jr. (WR, LSU)
24. Detroit Lions (from Cowboys): Terrion Arnold (CB, Alabama)
25. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Morgan (T, Arizona)
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Graham Barton (OL, Duke)
27. Arizona Cardinals (from Texans): Darius Robinson (DL, Missouri)
28. Kansas City Chiefs (from Bills): Xavier Worthy (WR, Texas)
29. Dallas Cowboys (from Lions): Tyler Guyton (T, Oklahoma)
30. Baltimore Ravens: Nate Wiggins (CB, Clemson)
31. San Francisco 49ers: Ricky Pearsall (WR, Florida)
32. Carolina Panthers (from Chiefs through Bills): Xavier Legette (WR, South Carolina)

Round 2

33. Buffalo Bills (from Panthers): Keon Coleman (WR, Florida State)
34. Los Angeles Chargers (via Patriots): Ladd McConkey (WR, Georgia)
35. Atlanta Falcons (from Cardinals): Ruke Orhorhoro (DT, Clemson)
36. Washington Commanders: Jer’Zhan Newton (DT, Illinois)
37. New England Patriots (via Chargers): Ja’Lynn Polk (WR, Washington)
38. Tennessee Titans: T’Vondre Sweat (DT, Texas)
39. Los Angeles Rams (from Giants through Panthers): Braden Fiske (DT, Florida State)
40. Philadelphia Eagles (from Bears through Commanders): Cooper DeJean (CB, Iowa)
41. New Orleans Saints (from Jets through Packers): Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama)
42. Houston Texans (from Vikings): Kamari Lassiter (CB, Georgia)
43. Arizona Cardinals (from Falcons): Max Melton (CB, Rutgers)
44. Las Vegas Raiders: Jackson Powers-Johnson (OL, Oregon)
45. Green Bay Packers (from Broncos through Saints): Edgerrin Cooper, LB (Texas A&M)
46. Carolina Panthers (from Colts): Jonathon Brooks (RB, Texas)
47. New York Giants (from Seahawks): Tyler Nubin (S, Minnesota)
48. Jacksonville Jaguars: Maason Smith (DT, LSU)
49. Cincinnati Bengals: Kris Jenkins Jr. (DT, Michigan)
50. Washington Commanders (from Saints through Eagles): Mike Sainristil (CB, Michigan)
51. Pittsburgh Steelers: Zach Frazier (C, West Virginia)
52. Indianapolis Colts (from Rams through Panthers): Adonai Mitchell (WR, Texas)
53. Washington Commanders (from Eagles): Ben Sinnott (TE
54. Cleveland Browns: Michael Hall (DT, Ohio State)
55. Miami Dolphins: Patrick Paul (T, Houston)
56. Dallas Cowboys: Marshawn Kneeland (EDGE, Western Michigan)
57. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chris Braswell (EDGE, Alabama)
58. Green Bay Packers: Javon Bullard (S, Georgia)
59. Houston Texans: Blake Fisher (T, Notre Dame)
60. Buffalo Bills: Cole Bishop (S, Utah)
61. Detroit Lions: Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB, Missouri)
62. Baltimore Ravens: Roger Rosengarten (T, Washington)
63. Kansas City Chiefs (from 49ers): Kingsley Suamataia (T, BYU)
64. San Francisco 49ers (from Chiefs): Renardo Green (CB, Florida State)

Round 3

65. New York Jets (from Panthers): Malachi Corley (WR, Western Kentucky)
66. Arizona Cardinals: Trey Benson, RB (Florida State)
67. Washington Commanders: Brandon Coleman (OL, TCU)
68. New England Patriots: Caeden Wallace (T, Penn State)
69. Los Angeles Chargers: Junior Colson (LB, Michigan)
70. New York Giants: Andru Phillips (CB, Kentucky)
71. Arizona Cardinals (from Titans): Isaiah Adams (G, Illinois)
72. Carolina Panthers (from Jets): Trevin Wallace (LB, Kentucky)
73. Dallas Cowboys (from Vikings through Lions): Cooper Beebe (G, Kansas State)
74. Atlanta Falcons: Bralen Trice (EDGE, Washington)
75. Chicago Bears: Kiran Amegadjie (T, Yale)
76. Denver Broncos: Jonah Elliss (EDGE, Utah)
77. Las Vegas Raiders: Delmar Glaze (T, Maryland)
78. Houston Texans (from Seahawks though Commanders and Eagles): Calen Bullock (S, USC)
79. Indianapolis Colts (from Jaguars through Falcons and Cardinals): Matt Goncalves (T, Pittsburgh)
80. Cincinnati Bengals: Jermaine Burton, WR (Alabama)
81. Seattle Seahawks (from Saints through Broncos): Christian Haynes (G, UConn)
82. Arizona Cardinals (from Colts): Tip Reiman (TE, Illinois)
83. Los Angeles Rams: Blake Corum (RB, Michigan)
84. Pittsburgh Steelers: Roman Wilson (WR, Michigan)
85. Cleveland Browns: Zak Zinter (G, Michigan)
86. San Francisco 49ers (from Eagles through Texans and Eagles): Dominick Puni (OL, Kansas)
87. Dallas Cowboys: Marist Liufau (LB, Notre Dame)
88. Green Bay Packers: MarShawn Lloyd (RB, USC)
89. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tykee Smith (S, Georgia)
90. Arizona Cardinals (from Texans): Elijah Jones (CB, Boston College)
91. Green Bay Packers (from Bills): Ty’Ron Hopper (LB, Missouri)
92. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Lions): Jalen McMillan (WR, Washington)
93. Baltimore Ravens: Adisa Isaac (EDGE, Penn State)
94. Philadelphia Eagles (from 49ers): Jalyx Hunt (EDGE, Houston Christian)
95. Buffalo Bills (from Chiefs): DeWayne Carter (DT, Duke)
96. Jacksonville Jaguars*: Jarrian Jones (CB, Florida State)
97. Cincinnati Bengals*: McKinnley Jackson (DT, Texas A&M)
98. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Eagles)*: Payton Wilson (LB, NC State)
99. Los Angeles Rams*: Kamren Kinchens (S, Miami)
100. Washington Commanders*: Luke McCaffrey (WR, Rice)

Round 4

101. Carolina Panthers: Ja’Tavion Sanders (TE, Texas)
102. Denver Broncos (from Commanders through Seahawks): Troy Franklin (WR, Oregon)
103. New England Patriots: Layden Robinson (G, Texas A&M)
104. Arizona Cardinals: Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (S, Texas Tech)
105. Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Eboigbe (DL, Alabama)
106. Tennessee Titans: Cedric Gray (LB, North Carolina)
107. New York Giants: Theo Johnson (TE, Penn State)
108. Minnesota Vikings: Khyree Jackson (CB, Oregon)
109. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Dorlus (DT, Oregon)
110. New England Patriots (from Bears through Chargers): Javon Baker (WR, Central Florida)
111. Green Bay Packers (from Jets): Evan Williams (S, Oregon)
112. Las Vegas Raiders: Decamerion Richardson (CB, Mississippi State)
113. Baltimore Ravens (from Broncos through Jets): Devontez Walker (WR, North Carolina)
114. Jacksonville Jaguars: Javon Foster (T, Missouri)
115. Cincinnati Bengals: Erick All (TE, Iowa)
116. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Saints): Jordan Jefferson (DT, LSU)
117. Indianapolis Colts: Tanor Bortolini (C, Wisconsin)
118. Seattle Seahawks: Tyrice Knight (LB, UTEP)
119. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mason McCormick (G, South Dakota State)
120. Miami Dolphins (from Rams through Steelers and Eagles): Jaylen Wright (RB, Tennessee)
121. Seattle Seahawks (from Dolphins through Broncos): AJ Barner (TE, Michigan)
122. Chicago Bears (from Eagles): Tory Taylor (P, Iowa)
123. Houston Texans (from Browns through Texans and Eagles): Cade Stover (TE, Ohio State)
124. San Francisco 49ers (from Cowboys): Malik Mustapha (S, Wake Forest)
125. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bucky Irving (RB, Oregon)
126. Detroit Lions (from Packers through Jets): Giovanni Manu (T, British Columbia)
127. Philadelphia Eagles (from Texans): Will Shipley (RB, Clemson)
128. Buffalo Bills: Ray Davis (RB, Kentucky)
129. San Francisco 49ers (from Lions through Vikings and Jets): Isaac Guerendo (RB, Louisville)
130. Baltimore Ravens: T.J. Tampa (CB, Iowa State)
131. Kansas City Chiefs: Jared Wiley (TE, TCU)
132. Detroit Lions (from 49ers through Eagles)*: Sione Vaki RB/S, Utah)
133. Kansas City Chiefs (from Bills)*: Jaden Hicks (S, Washington State)
134. New York Jets*: Braelon Allen (RB, Wisconsin)
135. San Francisco 49ers*: Jacob Cowing (WR, Arizona)

Round 5

136. Seattle Seahawks (from Panthers through Browns and Broncos): Nehemiah Pritchett (CB, Auburn)
137. Los Angeles Chargers (through Patriots): Tarheeb Still (CB, Maryland)
138. Arizona Cardinals: Xavier Thomas (EDGE, Clemson)
139. Washington Commanders: Jordan Magee (LB, Temple)
140. Los Angeles Chargers: Cam Hart (CB, Notre Dame)
141. Buffalo Bills (from Giants through Panthers): Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (C, Georgia)
142. Indianapolis Colts (from Titans through Panthers): Anthony Gould (WR, Oregon State)
143. Atlanta Falcons: JD Bertrand (LB, Notre Dame)
144. Chicago Bears (reacquired from Bills): Austin Booker (EDGE, Kansas State)
145. Denver Broncos (from Jets): Kris Abrams-Draine (CB, Missouri)
146. Tennessee Titans (from Vikings through Eagles): Jarvis Brownlee Jr. (CB, Louisville)
147. Denver Broncos: Audric Estime (RB, Notre Dame)
148. Las Vegas Raiders: Tommy Eichenberg (LB, Ohio State)
149. Cincinnati Bengals: Josh Newton (CB, TCU)
150. New Orleans Saints: Spencer Rattler (QB, South Carolina)
151. Indianapolis Colts: Jaylon Carlies (S, Missouri)
152. Washington Commanders (from Seahawks): Ainias Smith (WR, Texas A&M)
153. Jacksonville Jaguars: Deantre Prince (CB, Ole Miss)
154. Los Angeles Rams: Brennan Jackson (WR, Washington State)
155. Philadelphia Eagles (from Steelers through Rams, Panthers and Colts): Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (LB, Clemson)
156. Cleveland Browns (from Eagles through Cardinals): Jamari Thrash (WR, Louisville)
157. Carolina Panthers (from Browns through Vikings and Jets): Chau Smith-Wade (CB, Washington State)
158. Miami Dolphins: Mohamed Kamara (EDGE, Colorado State)
159. Kansas City Chiefs (from Cowboys): Hunter Nourzad (C, Penn State)
160. Buffalo Bills (from Packers): Edefuan Ulofoshio (LB, Washington)
161. Washington Commanders (from Buccaneers through Eagles): Dominique Hampton (S, Washington)
162. Arizona Cardinals (from Texans): Christian Jones (T, Texas)
163. Green Bay Packers (from Bills) Jacob Monk (C, Duke)
164. Indianapolis Colts (from Lions through Eagles): Jaylin Simpson (S, Auburn)
165. Baltimore Ravens: Rasheen Ali (RB, Marshall)
166. New York Giants (from 49ers through Panthers): Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB, Purdue)
167. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Chiefs through Vikings): Keilan Robinson (RB, Texas)
168. Buffalo Bills (from Saints through Packers)*: Javon Solomon (EDGE, Troy)
169. Green Bay Packers*: Kitan Oladapo (S, Oregon State)
170. New Orleans Saints*: Bub Means (WR, Pittsburgh)
171. New York Jets (from Eagles)*: Jordan Travis (QB, Florida State)
172. Philadelphia Eagles*: Trevor Keegan (G, Michigan)
173. New York Jets (from Chiefs through 49ers)*: Isaiah Davis (RB, South Dakota State)
174. Dallas Cowboys*: Caelen Carson (CB, Wake Forest)
175. New Orleans Saints*: Jaylan Ford (LB, Texas)
176. New York Jets (from 49ers)*: Qwan’Tez Stiggers (CB, Toronto Argonauts)

Round 6

177. Minnesota Vikings (from Panthers through Jaguars): Walter Rouse (T, Oklahoma)
178. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Cardinals through Panthers): Logan Lee (DT, Iowa)
179. Seattle Seahawks (from Commanders): Sataoa Laumea (G, Utah)
180. New England Patriots: Marcellas Dial (CB, South Carolina)
181. Los Angeles Chargers: Kimani Vidal (RB, Troy)
182. Tennessee Titans (reacquired from Eagles): Jha’Quan Jackson (WR, Tulane)
183. New York Giants: Darius Muasau (LB, UCLA)
184. Miami Dolphins (from Bears): Malik Washington (WR, Virginia)
185. Philadelphia Eagles (from Jets): Johnny Wilson (WR, Florida State)
186. Atlanta Falcons (from Vikings through Cardinals): Jase McClellan (RB, Alabama)
187. Atlanta Falcons: Casey Washington (WR, Illinois)
188. Houston Texans (from Raiders through Patriots and Vikings): Jamal Hill (LB, Oregon)
189. Detroit Lions (from Broncos through Rams, Bills and Texans): Mekhi Wingo (DT, LSU)
190. Philadelphia Eagles (from Saints through Packers and Jets): Dylan McMahon (C, NC State)
191. Arizona Cardinals (from Colts): Tejhaun Palmer (WR, UAB)
192. Seattle Seahawks: DJ James (CB, Auburn)
193. New England Patriots (from Jaguars): Joe Milton III (QB, Tennessee)
194. Cincinnati Bengals: Tanner McLachlan (TE, Arizona)
195. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ryan Watts (CB, Texas)
196. Los Angeles Rams: Tyler Davis (DT, Clemson)
197. Atlanta Falcons (from Browns): Zion Logue (DT, Georgia)
198. Miami Dolphins: Patrick McMorris (S, Cal)
199. New Orleans Saints (from Eagles): Khristian Boyd (DT, Northern Iowa)
200. Carolina Panthers (from Cowboys through Texans and Bills): Jaden Crumedy (DT, Mississippi State)
201. Indianapolis Colts (from Buccaneers through Lions and Eagles): Micah Abraham (CB, Marshall)
202. Green Bay Packers: Travis Glover (T, Georgia State)
203. Minnesota Vikings (from Texans through Browns, Broncos and Jets): Will Reichard (K, Alabama)
204. Buffalo Bills: Tylan Grable (T, Central Florida)
205. Houston Texans (from Lions): Jawhar Jordan (RB, Louisville)
206. Cleveland Browns (from Ravens): Nathaniel Watson (LB, Mississippi State)
207. Seattle Seahawks (from 49ers and Broncos): Michael Jerrell (T, Findlay)
208. Las Vegas Raiders (from Chiefs): Dylan Laube (RB, New Hampshire)
209. Los Angeles Rams*: Joshua Karty (K, Stanford)
210. Detroit Lions (from Eagles)*: Christian Mahogany (G, Boston College)
211. Kansas City Chiefs (from 49ers)*: Kamal Hadden (CB, Tennessee)
212. Jacksonville Jaguars*: Cam Little (K, Arkansas)
213. Los Angeles Rams*: Jordan Whittington (WR, Texas)
214. Cincinnati Bengals*: Cedric Johnson (DE, Ole Miss)
215. San Francisco 49ers*: Jarrett Kingston (G, USC)
216. Dallas Cowboys*: Ryan Flournoy (WR, Southeast Missouri State)
217. Los Angeles Rams*: Beaux Limmer (C, Arkansas)
218. Baltimore Ravens* Devin Leary (QB, Kentucky)
219. Buffalo Bills (from Packers)*: Daequan Hardy (CB, Penn State)
220. Tampa Bay Buccaneers*: Elijah Klein (G, UTEP)

Round 7

221. Buffalo Bills (from Panthers through Titans and Chiefs): Travis Clayton (T, England)
222. Washington Commanders: Javontae Jean-Baptiste (EDGE, Notre Dame)
223. Las Vegas Raiders (from Patriots): Trey Taylor (S, Air Force)
224. Cincinnati Bengals (from Cardinals through Texans): Daijahn Anthony (DB, Mississippi State)
225. Los Angeles Chargers: Brenden Rice (WR, USC)
226. Arizona Cardinals (from Giants): Jaden Davis (CB, Miami)
227. Cleveland Browns (from Titans): Myles Harden (CB, South Dakota)
228. Baltimore Ravens (from Jets): Nick Samac (C, Michigan State)
229. Las Vegas Raiders (from Vikings): MJ Devonshire (CB, Pitt)
230. Minnesota Vikings (from Falcons through Browns and Cardinals): Michael Jurgens (C, Wake Forest)
231. New England Patriots (from Bears): Jaheim Bell (TE, Florida State)
232. Minnesota Vikings (from Broncos through 49ers and Texans): Levi Drake Rodriguez (DT, Texas A&M Commerce)
233. Dallas Cowboys (from Raiders): Nathan Thomas (T, Louisiana-Lafayette)
234. Indianapolis Colts: Jonah Laulu (DT, Oklahoma)
235. Denver Broncos (from Seahawks): Devaughn Vele (WR, Utah)
236. Jacksonville Jaguars: Myles Cole (DE, Texas Tech)
237. Cincinnati Bengals: Matt Lee (C, Miami)
238. Houston Texans (from Saints): Solomon Byrd (EDGE, USC)
239. New Orleans Saints (from Rams through Broncos): Josiah Ezirim (T, Eastern Kentucky)
240. Carolina Panthers (from Steelers): Michael Barrett (LB, Michigan)
241. Miami Dolphins: Tahj Washington (WR, USC)
242. Tennessee Titans (from Eagles): James Williams (S, Miami)
243. Cleveland Browns: Jowon Briggs (DT, Cincinnati)
244. Dallas Cowboys: Justin Rogers (DT, Auburn)
245. Green Bay Packers: Michael Pratt (QB, Tulane)
246. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devin Culp (TE, Washington)
247. Houston Texans: Marcus Harris (DT, Auburn)
248. Kansas City Chiefs (from Bills): C.J. Hanson (G, Holy Cross)
249. Houston Texans (from Lions): LaDarius Henderson (G, Michigan)
250. Baltimore Ravens: Sanoussi Kane (S, Purdue)
251. San Francisco 49ers: Tatum Bethune (LB, Florida State)
252. Tennessee Titans (from Chiefs): Jaylen Harrell (EDGE, Michigan)
253. Los Angeles Chargers*: Cornelius Johnson (WR, Michigan)
254. Los Angeles Rams*: KT Leveston (G, Kansas State)
255. Green Bay Packers*: Kalen King (CB, Penn State)
256. Denver Broncos (from New York Jets*: Nick Gargiulo (C, South Carolina)
257. New York Jets*: Jaylen Key (DB, Alabama)

* = compensatory selection

Ravens Draft Kentucky QB Devin Leary At No. 218

April 27th, 2024 at 4:53pm CST by Ely Allen

The Ravens are bringing in an extra arm at the back end of the sixth round, drafted Kentucky quarterback Devin Leary, marking the tenth passer taken in the 2024 NFL Draft. Leary adds a big arm to a quarterbacks room in Baltimore that contains reigning MVP Lamar Jackson.

Leary spent six years at the collegiate level, playing the first five years at NC State. He took over as the Wolfpack’s starter halfway through his redshirt freshman season in Raleigh and, after missing the final seven games of the next year, finally got his first full season as a redshirt junior in 2021. He threw for 3,433 yards and 35 touchdowns with only five interceptions, breaking Philip Rivers‘ school-record for most touchdown passes in a season.

After once again missing over half the season with an injury as a redshirt senior, Leary opted to hit the transfer portal for his final year of college eligibility, making his way to Kentucky. In his lone season with the Wildcats, Leary completed only 56.3 percent of his pass attempts, throwing for 2,746 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He can make throws at every level of the field but will need to learn some touch at the NFL level. His strong arm can cost him accuracy and catchable balls at times.

In Baltimore, Leary faces an uphill battle to dress on gamedays. Obviously, he stands no chance at unseating Jackson as the starter, but even current backup quarterbacks Josh Johnson and Malik Cunningham sit pretty comfortably at their spots on the depth chart. At 38 years old, Johnson is one of the league’s most experienced backup passers and already has experience starting a game for the Ravens in place of Jackson.

Cunningham, on the other hand, only has a one-year head start on Leary, but benefits from the fact that his style of play matches Jackson’s much better. Cunningham came to Louisville in Jackson’s last collegiate season, taking over as the starter two years later. His nearly 10,000 passing yards and over 3,000 rushing yards at the collegiate level show just how similar his game is to Jackson’s.

Entering his rookie year at 25 years old, though, Leary will want to try an unseat Cunningham as QB3 for the Ravens. If he can secure that role, Leary will likely end up as a practice squad passer who will often get called up as a standard gameday practice squad elevation.

Ravens Select Clemson CB Nate Wiggins At No. 30

April 25th, 2024 at 10:40pm CST by Ben Levine

The Ravens have added to their secondary. The team has selected Clemson defensive back Nate Wiggins with the No. 30 pick. Baltimore has thrown numerous mid- to late-round picks at the cornerback position over the years, hitting on the likes of Anthony Averett (fourth round) and Brandon Stephens (third round), but they finally pull out the big guns, making Wiggins their highest-drafted cornerback since Marlon Humphrey went 16th overall in 2017.

Wiggins became a full-time starter for the Tigers as a sophomore last season. In eleven starts, Wiggins led the team with 14 passes defended and added on a 98-yard interception return for a touchdown. While Pro Football Focus (subscription required) didn’t tout his 2022 season as elite, Wiggins was still credited as a first-team All-ACC selection by some publications, though not by the Conference itself.

That honor would have to wait until 2023, when Wiggins was named by the Conference as a first-team All-ACC cornerback. That status was reflected in Wiggins’ PFF ranking which saw him elevate all the way up to the 25th highest ranked cornerback in the nation. Wiggins once again leads his defense with 11 passes defensed and two interceptions, one of which he returned 46 yards for another touchdown. He also showed off other playmaking abilities in 2023 with a sack and two forced fumbles, both of which occurred on chases that ended on the one-yard line.

Wiggins has prototypical length at the cornerback position with a long, 6-foot-2 frame and arm length and body control that grant him an easy advantage on contested balls. He’s not too thin at 185 pounds, though he played closer to 170 at Clemson, and while he may not have strong initial quickness, he was considered the school’s fastest player and possesses great recovery speed to stay with receivers downfield. He’ll need to get stronger at the next level in order to compete against physical NFL wideouts.

In Baltimore, Wiggins figures to work into the defense sooner rather than later, though it will be interesting to see exactly how. Humphrey and Stephens expect to open the 2024 season as the starters outside. The team liked Ar’Darius Washington in the slot last year before he landed on injured reserve for much of the season.

Without Washington, the team leaned on safety Kyle Hamilton frequently in the slot, though with their former third safety, Geno Stone, now in Cincinnati, they’ll likely feel less free to let Hamilton roam. Though, if Wiggins comes on strong early, the Ravens could move Stephens back to safety, a position he’s played for them before, giving them a new third player at the position. The team also returns Arthur Maulet, who played a significant role in injury replacement last year.

Wiggins should be a priority on the outside. He didn’t display outstanding initial quickness to stay with slot receivers, but his recovery top speed should make him feel at home on the exterior and downfield. Stephens is entering a contract year, so perhaps Wiggins may just need to wait a year to become a full-time starter. Otherwise, he should factor in heavily in three-cornerback formations should the team keep Stephens at safety.

Ely Allen contributed to this post.

2025 NFL Fifth-Year Option Tracker

April 24th, 2024 at 10:57pm CST by Sam Robinson

NFL teams have until May 2 to officially pick up fifth-year options on 2021 first-rounders. The 2020 CBA revamped the option structure and made them fully guaranteed, rather than guaranteed for injury only. Meanwhile, fifth-year option salaries are now determined by a blend of the player’s position, initial draft placement and performance- and usage-based benchmarks:

Two-time Pro Bowlers (excluding alternates) will earn the same as their position’s franchise tag
One-time Pro Bowlers will earn the equivalent of the transition tag
Players who achieve any of the following will receive the average of the third-20th-highest salaries at their position:
- At least a 75% snap rate in two of their first three seasons
- A 75% snap average across all three seasons
- At least 50% in each of first three seasons
Players who do not hit any of those benchmarks will receive the average of the third-25th top salaries at their position

With the deadline looming, we will use the space below to track all the option decisions from around the league:

QB Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars ($25.66MM): Exercised
QB Zach Wilson, Broncos* ($22.41MM): Declined
QB Trey Lance, Cowboys** ($22.41MM): Declined
TE Kyle Pitts, Falcons ($10.88MM): Exercised
WR Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals ($21.82MM): Exercised
WR Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins ($15.59MM): Exercised
T Penei Sewell, Lions ($19MM): Extended through 2029
CB Jaycee Horn, Panthers ($12.47MM): Exercised
CB Patrick Surtain, Broncos ($19.82MM): Exercised
WR DeVonta Smith, Eagles ($15.59MM): Extended through 2028
QB Justin Fields, Steelers*** ($25.66MM): Declined
DE Micah Parsons, Cowboys ($21.32MM): Exercised
T Rashawn Slater, Chargers ($19MM): Exercised
OL Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jets ($13.31MM): Exercised
QB Mac Jones, Jaguars**** ($25.66MM): Declined
LB Zaven Collins, Cardinals ($13.25MM): Declined
T Alex Leatherwood, Raiders: N/A
LB Jaelan Phillips, Dolphins ($13.3MM): Exercised
LB Jamin Davis, Commanders ($14.48MM): Declined
WR Kadarius Toney, Chiefs***** ($14.35MM)
DE Kwity Paye, Colts ($13.4MM): Exercised
CB Caleb Farley, Titans ($12.47MM): Declined
T Christian Darrisaw, Vikings ($16MM): Exercised
RB Najee Harris, Steelers ($6.79MM): Declined
RB Travis Etienne, Jaguars ($6.14MM): Exercised
CB Greg Newsome, Browns ($13.38MM): To be exercised
WR Rashod Bateman, Ravens ($14.35MM): N/A; extended through 2026
DE Payton Turner, Saints ($13.39MM): Declined
CB Eric Stokes, Packers ($12.47MM): Declined
DE Greg Rousseau, Bills ($13.39MM): Exercised
LB Odafe Oweh, Ravens ($13.25MM): Exercised
LB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Buccaneers ($13.25MM): Declined

* = Jets traded Wilson on April 22, 2024
** = 49ers traded Lance on August 25, 2023
*** = Bears traded Fields on March 16, 2024
**** = Patriots traded Jones on March 10, 2024
***** = Giants traded Toney on October 27, 2022

Latest On Ravens’ T Situation

April 20th, 2024 at 8:19pm CST by Adam La Rose

Three of the five starting members of Baltimore’s offensive line from 2023 are no longer in place. One of the offseason departures was Morgan Moses, who manned the right tackle spot for the past two years.

Moses was traded to the Jets, allowing him to return to his former team. That decision, along with the free agent departures of guards John Simpson and Kevin Zeitler, has led many to expect the Ravens to focus on an offensive line addition early in the upcoming draft. Doing so would come as no surprise, but the team does have a few in-house options to choose from at the right tackle spot in particular.

Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda reports part of Baltimore’s decision to move on from Moses (who has one year remaining on his contract) was the team’s confidence in the other O-linemen in place. That list includes swing tackle Patrick Mekari and 2022 fourth-rounder Daniel Faalele. The former is a veteran of 71 appearances and 36 starts, having seen time at all five offensive line positions over the course of his career.

The latter, meanwhile, was drafted as a developmental project based on his size (6-8, 380 pounds) and athleticism. The 24-year-old Australian has played sparingly on offense and special teams to date, logging a total of 510 snaps. Taking on a full-time starting role would thus represent a sizable jump in responsibility, but he is a familiar option within the Ravens’ system.

Pauline also names 2023 seventh-round selection Andrew Vorhees as a potential right tackle starter based on how he is viewed by the organization. Vorhees missed his rookie campaign while rehabbing an ACL tear suffered at the Combine, but the absences of Simpson and Zeitler could steer him toward playing time on the inside. In any case, the former first-team All-American blocker could be positioned to take on a notable role up front in 2024.

In free agency, the Ravens helped fill the open spots along the offensive line in part by signing Josh Jones to a one-year deal. The former Cardinals and Texans swingman has experience at both tackle spots, as well as right guard. A decision has yet to be made on where Jones will play in Baltimore, but for now he represents another option to take over from Moses. Still, O-line could remain a draft priority for the Ravens when taking into account left tackle Ronnie Stanley‘s contract situation.

The 30-year-old has battled injuries over the past four years, and he agreed to a pay cut to remain in place for 2024. Stanley’s deal is now set to void next offseason as a result, and the Ravens could use the draft to select a successor. If a familiar face is in place at the opposite spot to begin the coming season, though, it would not come as a surprise.

Ravens Not Expected To Trade Back Out Of First Round?

April 13th, 2024 at 5:07pm CST by Ely Allen

Those who have followed the Ravens over the past several years may be a little surprised to hear that, sitting at the back end of the first round, the Ravens are not expected to trade back out of the first round. Team writers Clifton Brown and Ryan Mink noted after a pre-draft press conference this week that it would take a “premium” trade offer for the team to move down.

Trading back was a common practice for former general manager Ozzie Newsome, whether just moving back later into the first round or outside of the first round altogether in order to acquire more draft capital. Eric DeCosta, Newsome’s successor, has taken a bit of the opposite approach, twice trading players to obtain an extra first-round selection. DeCosta has been shown to value the fifth-year option that is standard on the contracts of first-round draft picks much more highly than Newsome did.

The Ravens aren’t in desperate need for more draft picks (they have nine at this point in the process), but the franchise has been notorious for hitting on early-Day Three picks. The team is also known for ignoring positions of need in favor of the “best player available” mentality. If they don’t feel the players available by the time their pick rolls around are worth their draft slot or are “must have” players, Baltimore still may opt to move down. Regardless, DeCosta has hopes that a player ranked in their own top-20 rankings finds their way down to the 30th pick. If not, the team would look for a team willing to give up a good haul to move back into Day 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft.

So, what are the Ravens going to be looking for at their draft slot? The team has reportedly been continuously linked to offensive tackles and wide receivers so far in the pre-draft process. While those are positions of need in most people’s eyes, those are also the positions that the team’s analysis tells them will have the most-valuable prospects still around that late in the draft. Proof of that thinking can be found in their approach to a first-round cornerback. Cornerback is also a glaring need for the Ravens, but the depth of the position likely won’t keep the draft’s better cornerbacks available that late into the first round, so Baltimore will focus more on the line and receiving corps.

Another position they may go to at No. 30 overall is edge rusher. The team knows that the top-end pass rushers will not be around late in the first round, so they are doing their homework on the second-tier players at the position. A few of those second-tier guys rank from the 25th to the 45th best prospects on the Ravens’ board, so DeCosta could hope to land one at 30 or 62, depending on the value available.

Lastly, DeCosta told the media that there is a “strong chance” that Baltimore will draft a running back at some point in the draft. The signing of veteran bell-cow Derrick Henry certainly reduced the need to draft a rusher early, but a lack of significant depth at the position makes adding a rookie a likely scenario. The rookie back will join Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell, coming back from knee surgery, behind Henry on the depth chart.

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